Air Fryers Might Pose Health Risks When Used Too Much vs. Traditional Ovens

If your weekday routine includes tossing dinner straight from the fridge into the air fryer, you're not alone. Air fryers have become the go-to kitchen appliance for quick, crispy meals with minimal effort, without the need to turn on the oven.

While they may be easy to use, they’re not entirely maintenance-free. A bit of cleaning goes a long way toward keeping your air fryer working and your food tasting as it should.

The last thing anyone wants is to bite into a portion of chips that tastes suspiciously like last week’s reheated sausage rolls. If you’ve noticed odd smells or smoky surprises coming from your air fryer mid-cook, chances are you’ve been skipping some key upkeep.

According to Dr. Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, the trick is to stay consistent with your cleaning habits. He told The Daily Express,

“It’s recommended that you give your air fryer a light clean after every use and a deeper clean every month, or every few uses if you regularly cook greasy foods.”

So, what does a "light clean" actually involve? Basically, it involves wiping down the basket and drawer once they’ve cooled, removing any loose crumbs, and giving surfaces a quick wash with warm, soapy water. It doesn’t take long, but it prevents grime from building up and becoming a cleaning nightmare later.

After each use, give your air fryer a quick wipe-down.

Dr. Anderson suggests rolling up your sleeves and doing a more thorough job regarding the deeper clean.

“For a monthly deep clean, you’ll need to clean all the accessories and inside the appliance more thoroughly to remove burnt-on food, grease, and odours,” he explained.

One of his go-to tips is surprisingly simple: fill the basket or drawer with warm water, drop in a dishwasher tablet, and leave it overnight to soak. Rinse the next day, and you’ll be amazed at how easily the grime lifts away.

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But here's where people often make mistakes: throwing the tray in the dishwasher might seem convenient, but it can do more harm than good. Dr. Anderson warned that the dishwasher can damage the non-stick coating many air fryers rely on.

Once that coating’s gone, cleaning becomes harder, and food is more likely to stick, burn, and generally taste worse.

Another important rule is never to submerge the air fryer's central unit in water. The heating element is not waterproof; soaking can ruin the appliance, potentially leading to a pricey replacement.

Health Considerations with Air Fryers

Dr. Joel Kahn, a renowned cardiologist, emphasizes that while air fryers may reduce fat content in foods, using them excessively can lead to unhealthy habits. He states, 'The convenience of air frying should not overshadow the importance of a balanced diet.' In moderation, air fryers can help prepare healthier meals, but over-reliance on processed foods can counteract these benefits.

To mitigate health risks, Kahn recommends incorporating fresh vegetables and whole grains into air-fried meals, ensuring a diverse diet. This approach not only enhances flavor but also provides essential nutrients that may be lacking in a diet dominated by fried foods.

A deeper clean is applied based on how frequently you use your model.

While cleaning hacks on TikTok and Instagram may look impressive, don’t be too quick to try them. Some of these so-called shortcuts can be dangerous, especially those that involve lining the air fryer with foil or running it empty with soap inside.

“Unless you want an unexpected visit from the fire brigade, it’s best to stick to the basics,” said Anderson.

So why bother with all this? Besides avoiding the smell of reheated fish on your next batch of chips, regular cleaning also matters for your health. If your air fryer has a non-stick surface, it may contain PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), the same group of chemicals used in many non-stick pans.

These so-called “forever chemicals” have been linked to health risks, but the issue mainly arises when the coating gets damaged.

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That’s another reason not to go at your air fryer with steel wool or throw it in the dishwasher. Damaging the lining could release tiny particles you don’t want in your dinner.

In short, taking a few minutes to wipe down your air fryer now can save you from sour flavours, potential health risks, and even an early appliance breakdown. Ensure your trusty air fryer does its job without making your kitchen smell like last Tuesday's burnt bacon.

Observing cooking trends, dietitian and nutritionist Dr. Michael Greger notes a potential downside to air fryers: they can encourage the consumption of high-calorie, processed foods. He points out that many users inadvertently replace healthier cooking methods with air frying, leading to an overall decline in nutrient diversity.

To counter this effect, Greger suggests meal planning that emphasizes whole-food ingredients. By preparing meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, you can ensure that air frying complements rather than dominates your cooking habits.

In summary, while air fryers offer a convenient cooking method, it's critical to use them wisely to avoid potential health risks. Experts like Dr. Kahn and Dr. Greger advocate for a balanced approach that includes a variety of whole foods. This ensures that the benefits of air frying do not come at the cost of nutritional value.

By incorporating fresh ingredients and limiting processed options, you can enjoy the crispy delights of air frying while maintaining a healthy diet. Remember, moderation is key to a sustainable and healthful eating pattern.